The Christmas Story

A long time ago there lived a young woman who had a very kind heart. The young woman, named Mary, loved God very much and lived her life in a way that pleased Him. One special day, God sent an angel to Mary to tell her that God had chosen her to give birth to a baby boy who would be the Savior of the world, His son, Jesus.

Now Mary was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph. When Mary told Joseph about the angels message from God, Joseph became rather confused. God then sent an angel to Joseph as well in order to make things clear to him so that he would know what to do.

About that same time, Joseph had to return to his childhood home, in Bethlehem of Judeah, for a census. The poor carpenter packed what they needed onto a donkey, Mary rode on its back, and led the way to Bethlehem. When they arrived there was no room anywhere for them to spend the night. They found a place in a stable where they could rest. It was in that stable that Mary gave birth to the baby boy. She wrapped him in what clothes she could find and made a manger into his crib.

Meanwhile, angels appeared to shepherds who were tending their sheep and told them about the Christ child's birth. They told the shepherds where to find the child so that they could go and worship Him.

In the east there were wise men who saw a great star in the sky. They followed the star which led them to the child. They gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Let us always remember that the greatest Christmas gift ever given was the gift that God gave to the world....His Son!